Wondering how many of the comments will be a version of yours: “your mother’s experience is likely unrepresentative. Instead of listening to her story, let me tell you about these other awesome nuns I know.”

It’s clear he just thinks women are hysterical liars. Like we’ll push the button because we heard a noise, then tell the cops we got raped because that’s how we do.

About a month back a woman was abducted in broad daylight not even a block away from my apartment building and raped. Less than a week after that another woman was sexually assaulted IN my apartment building. So fuck you and your assertion that my insecurities are unfounded.

Yes, that is the problem. We, women, are attacked primarily by those whom we know. But instead of saying “feminists are convinced that everyone is raping all the time,” maybe take a minute and think about what it’s like for most of the raping to be done by people you know. It means you never feel safe.

I’m sorry, but rape is a real thing and minimizing the feelings of insecurity a lot of women have is not ok. Women should be able to feel secure in the public space.

MA’s RMV website: “A hat or other head cover is not acceptable, but if worn for medical or religious reasons, it may be allowed if it does not hide any facial features.”

You agreed with me that it the religion does not state that you must wear a colander. Their website confirms this.

It’s not meant to protect minorities, it’s meant to protect the rights that we as Americans have been granted under the Constitution. Come on.

No, she’s accessing the rights guaranteed under the First Amendment.

Dude, you need to stop just assuming what the rules are based on what other religions’ rules are. This is their version of proselytizing door-to-door for all you know.

You keep saying that she’s appropriating the struggles of others, but she’s only fighting for the right to dress in accordance with her own religion. Who are you to say that her religious belief are less worthy of protection than others?

If I support one religion’s right to where headgear then I have to support any religion’s right...regardless of my personal views on said religion.

Allowing religious clothing exceptions isn’t a system designed to help people who have historically been discriminated against though. They are legal exceptions for members of any religious belief (including hers).

Why shouldn’t she be proud of herself? She fought against religious discrimination and won. America loves to hear that story when it’s a member of a more common religion overcoming discrimination. Why not a Pastafarian? Just because you don’t think she should have the same rights as you doesn’t make her fight, and…

You mean the same way this woman wearing her colander has elicited hateful, angry remarks from you and many others? Your response makes her point all the more valid. Also, being disabled is very different than choosing to follow a religion.

Ask yourself why you have the obnoxious need to make this about Islam.

I don’t know what satire you are referring. But this whole issue oppresses no one. It highlights people and governments that do not respect a persons freedom of religion. You are essentially arguing in favor of the greater hegemony of Christianity in the United States.

Thank you! I don’t know why people are so blind to how this actually positively affects the ability of other religions to wear head coverings!

No, I just don’t think your point is very well thought out. She is in fact hurting no one, and forcing people to respect religious clothing exemptions, even when they think they’re frivolous, only means that the non-frivolous ones have to be taken seriously too. :)

She is a religious minority. Pastafarians, while finding greater acceptance in many urban centers in this country, still face significant obstacles to full recognition as a legitimate religious group. Her struggle is all of our struggle.